Man sentenced to five years for 2013 battery of elderly woman

Harry Lawrence, 43, was sentenced by Judge Rosemary Collins July 17 to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for aggravated battery.

In December 2013, Lawrence battered an elderly woman inside her home. The 80-year-old victim was trying to prevent Lawrence from taking too many prescription drugs when he punched her in the chest and shoulder. Another person, who witnessed the assault, had to intervene and stop Lawrence from hitting the victim again.

Aggravated battery is a Class 3 felony that is punishable by a term of two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Lawrence was eligible for an extended term because the victim in this case was older than 60.